Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET
Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
TV: ESPN, ALT (Altitude Sports), NBC Sports Boston
A heavyweight inter-conference clash pits the Eastern Conference powerhouse Boston Celtics against the Western Conference contenders Denver Nuggets at high-altitude Ball Arena. Boston arrives on the second night of a back-to-back after a strong road win over Phoenix (97-81 on Feb. 24), extending their road winning streak. Denver hosts fresh off recent performances, relying heavily on their star core amid some injuries. This matchup features elite talent and could have playoff seeding implications.
Recent Form (Last 10 Games / Recent Streaks)
Celtics: Excellent stretch, winning 13 of their last 17 overall and riding a five-game road winning streak. They average ~108-115 PPG recently while holding opponents low (strong defense allowing ~43% FG in spots). Boston is hot ATS and SU on the road, with balanced scoring and rebounding.
Nuggets: Mixed but competitive; they’ve won six straight at home after road losses in some trends. Averaging high-scoring outputs (~120 PPG) with strong shooting (49-50% FG, 39% 3PT), but defense has been inconsistent (allowing ~116 PPG). Denver is 2-3 in recent games but strong at Ball Arena.
Injury Report
Boston Celtics:
- Jayson Tatum (SF/PF) – Out (Achilles; extended absence, return targeted ~March 4 or later).
- Jaylen Brown (SG/SF) – Questionable (right knee contusion; rested or limited recently, status closer to tip).
- Others minimal; core pieces like Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser expected available.
Denver Nuggets:
- Aaron Gordon (PF) – Out (right hamstring strain).
- Peyton Watson (SF) – Out (right hamstring strain).
- Jalen Pickett (SG) – Out (right knee soreness).
- Tamar Bates (PG) – Out (left foot surgery).
- Jamal Murray (PG) – Probable (right hamstring tightness; expected to play/start).
- Julian Strawther (SF) – Probable (left great toe sprain; expected to play).
Denver’s frontcourt depth takes a hit without Gordon and Watson, but Jokic and Murray should lead.
Key Player Matchups
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets, ~28.7 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 10.5 APG) vs. Al Horford / Luke Kornet / Celtics frontcourt: Jokic’s triple-double threat dominates paint and playmaking. Boston’s length helps, but without Tatum, they may struggle containing him in post-ups and high-low actions.
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets, ~25.7 PPG) vs. Derrick White / Jrue Holiday: Murray’s scoring and clutch play test Boston’s elite perimeter defense. If probable Murray plays full minutes, expect 25+ points.
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics, ~29.2 PPG, 7 RPG if available) vs. Christian Braun / Julian Strawther: Brown’s scoring punch is key; if questionable Brown plays, he exploits Denver’s wing defense.
- Derrick White / Payton Pritchard (Celtics backcourt) vs. Nuggets guards: Boston’s guards provide shooting and defense; Pritchard’s bench scoring adds depth.
- Rebounding & Altitude: Denver’s home edge + Jokic’s boards vs. Boston’s road rebounding (~45 RPG); altitude could fatigue Boston on back-to-back.
Series History
Recent meetings are competitive: Denver won the most recent on Jan. 7, 2026 (114-110 at Boston). Boston won prior games like Mar. 2, 2025 (110-103) and Jan. 7, 2025 (118-106 at Denver). Over last few seasons, split close (Denver 3-2 in some samples). Games often high-scoring with totals cashing; Boston has covered in spots as underdogs.
Betting Trends
- Celtics strong on road (5 straight wins); excellent ATS as underdogs recently.
- Nuggets solid home favorites (covers in spots); last 3 games Over.
- Totals trend Over in recent high-efficiency matchups; both teams shoot well.
- Boston 4-1 ATS in recent road wins; Denver vulnerable defensively without full frontcourt.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics 229.5
Denver Nuggets – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026
